Dallas Cowboys Blog

Suddenly, Jermey Parnell could be the starting right tackle for the Cowboys

IRVING — Cowboys tackle Jermey Parnell struggled with pass protection throughout training camp but managed to squeeze onto the team’s 53-man roster. Now he could start at right tackle Sunday night in the season opener at the New York Jets.

First-round pick Tyron Smith hyperextended his knee in practice Wednesday and could miss Sunday night’s game. Parnell worked at right tackle in practice Wednesday after Smith left the field with his knee injury.

Parnell is a former basketball player and considered more of a project than someone who is ready to start. He played one season of football and it was on defense. He switched to the offensive line on the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad in 2009. He was inactive for the 12 games he was with Dallas last season.

Parnell declined to comment in the locker room today.

“We certainly are content with going with Parnell as our backup tackle at this particular juncture,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. “Hope we don’t have to see him very early. We’re still comfortable there.”

Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware said he’s seen progress from Parnell.

“I go against him every day in practice so I have a lot of confidence in him,” Ware said. “He run blocks really well, but his pass block is really quick. They stick him at right tackle, he’s going to be a little quicker than a right tackle. He’s already used to the speed. He’s just got to get used to the bigger guys on that right side powering him.”